Soak up the sun

Do you remember last winter when we kept waiting for that big blizzard to remind us that we live way up in the Northern Hemisphere? It never came, and we can look back now on what was one of the mildest winters in years.

I’m starting to think that this summer is similar; I keep expecting the drizzly damp to set in, the thick fog to curl up around us, or at least a washed-out week…But no, instead it’s all hot days, warm nights and lots and lots of sunshine. Could it be that this is the best summer ever?

I hope you have enjoyed many happy days at the lake, cooking out with your friends and soaking it all up. Surely crisper days and bonfire nights are coming and we will be planning for the fair, but for now summer is still in full splendor and we have a busy week in Bridgton!

Splish splash

Moms, here’s a great chance for you to have a “kid-free” day while giving them a field trip they won’t forget. The Bridgton Recreation Department is taking their popular summer road trip to Whales Tales Water Park on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

The bus leaves the Town Hall at 9:45 a.m. for a full day of fun at the huge park. Licensed chaperones will keep an eye on things for you, and the cost for the outing is only $25. Just pack a lunch for your children and they’ll be back in Bridgton at 5 p.m., exhausted and probably ready for bed. Sounds like the perfect day to me. For information, call Bridgton Rec director Phil Gutekunst at 647-8786 or visit rec@bridgtonmaine.org.

Locks of love

Sarah Lowell and the crew at Running With Scissors are again donating their time and scissor skills to a great cause. The second annual Ava LaBarge Cut-a-Thon for Pulmonary Hypertension is from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 14, when you can come in for a free haircut and leave with a happy heart.

Ava was born with PH, and despite many challenges and setbacks she is a thriving and beautiful little girl. Her parents, Geoff and Mitzi McIver-LaBarge, are committed fundraisers for the cause, and raise thousands of dollars each year through their work with Boston’s Children’s Hospital. The Cut-A-Thon is one of their biggest events of the year, and it is particularly special since it is held in their hometown of Bridgton.

Along with the donated haircuts and styling you can enjoy food and entertainment all day at the salon, and I might even be the one washing your hair. Please stop by and be a part of a great cause with an awesome family. Running With Scissors is on Main Street right across from the Cool Moose.

Family fun

If the words “dunk tank,” “pig roast” and “pie-eating contest” are music to your ears, grab your family and head downtown. The 2nd annual Depot Street Family Fun Festival is on Saturday, Aug. 14, from noon to 9 p.m., and there’s something for everyone.

I rolled in around noon last year to emcee the Kargo’s Fashion Show, and lucky for me the pie-eating contest was just starting. Beth’s Cafe had baked a dozen juicy blueberry pies that were reduced to crumbs in about 30 seconds. One poor girl was literally snorting blueberries up her nose, which was probably pretty painful but was also one of the funniest thing I’d ever seen. There’s just something joyfully absurd about watching a group of people speed-eating that really cracks me up.

Along with horse-cart rides, a jail-n-bail and a spin in a vintage fire truck, there will be live music from The Hurricane Mountain Country Band, The Cruisers, The Bridgton Brass Ensemble and The Dan Ross Band.

All proceeds from the Depot Street Festival benefit the Bridgton Community Center. For more information, contact the Bridgton Community Center, 647-3116.

Bridgton history

The merchants and mill workers who settled our town built sturdy homes and businesses in the classic New England vernacular. There are several distinct neighborhoods that comprise the Upper, Lower and Middle Villages of Bridgton, and each has its own flavor. Join Economic Development Director Alan Manoian as he leads guided historic walking tours this week, highlighting the outstanding architecture and local color of each.

The tours are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday tours will meet at the Civil War Monument and wind through High Street/Creamery streets and the Gage/Walker Street neighborhood. Wednesday’s tour meets at the Bridgton Library and focuses on downtown and Elm Street, with Thursday’s tour of Pondicherry Square and Bennett Street meeting at the Big Kahuna on Main Street. For additional information, contact Manoian at Bridgton’s Town Office at 647-8786 or ecodevdir@bridgtonmaine.org.

Oh my Dahlin

The Denmark Arts Center might be slightly outside Bridgton, but this show gets a mention anyway. Emilia Dahlin, one of Maine’s most acclaimed singers, is performing there on Saturday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m.

After a year-long worldwide trip, Dahlin is back home with new songs and experiences. This intimate space is a fabulous place to see shows, and it’s just a few miles out of town. Just take Route 117 through “downtown” Denmark and go straight past the Monument. The Arts Center is just down the road at 50 West Main St. Tickets are $10. For information, call Raffi Der Simonian at 756-0916.